Mahapali Alms Hall
This building has been constructed by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC. An inscription written in the 10th century AD has been discovered on the stone through found at this place. The inscription mentuons "Maha Pela Bath Ganna Thaak Denamo", The words; "Mahaa Pela" (Huge row) represent "Mahapali". Chinese traveller monk, Daien thero has recorded that 5 to 6 thousand people living in the city have been served with meals at this place. Similarly the Chinese traveller monk Huensan Thero mentions that, from a kitchen built closer to the residence of the king has provided alms for over 800 monks. Monks moving to receive their part of alms in an orderly manner in a line is meaning of the words "Maha Pali". The alms hall has been renovated at subsequent periods by the rulers who considered that it was their duty to provide alms to the monks. This hall has been destroyed by King Udaya 11 and the Southern Indian Chola invasions taken place between the period of 816 - 831 AD.